Suffolk Reporter

Rep. Nick LaLota has reintroduced the No Bailouts for Sanctuary Cities Act in the 119th Congress. The bill aims to prevent federal funding from being used to support sanctuary cities, which are jurisdictions that do not fully cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.

LaLota stated, "Sanctuary cities have chosen to defy federal immigration law, creating their own crisis. It’s unacceptable for federal taxpayers to bail them out for these reckless and misguided policies." He emphasized that the bill is designed to ensure "federal dollars won’t subsidize the costs of prioritizing illegal immigration over the safety and well-being of law-abiding, tax-paying citizens."

The legislation prohibits federal funds from being allocated to sanctuary cities for addressing migrant-related issues such as food, shelter, healthcare services, legal services, and transportation costs. The bill passed the House in September 2024 with bipartisan support but did not advance in the Senate.

House Republican leadership has prioritized this legislation by including it in the recently passed House Rules Package. This package outlines procedural and legislative priorities for the next two years.

Since December 2024, New York City has seen more than 210,000 migrants pass through its borders, with over 58,000 having criminal records. A Siena College Poll indicates that 82% of New Yorkers consider this influx a serious problem.

In August 2024, LaLota led a letter opposing plans to house unvetted migrants across New York State. This action reflects his ongoing efforts to hold sanctuary cities accountable.